2Timothy 2:16-18 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as do a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 

Ten facts about deceit: It is falsehood (Ps. 119:118). It comes from the heart (Mark 7:22). It is characteristic of the heart (Jer. 17:9). God abhors it (Ps. 5:6). It is forbidden (Pro. 24:28; 1Pet. 3:10). Christ is free from it (1Pet. 2:22). We are warned to beware of those who teach and practice it (Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:8). It must be laid aside (2Cor. 4:2; 1Pet. 2:1). False teachers are workers of it (2Cor. 11:13; Jer. 14:14; 23:26). False witnesses use it (Pro. 12:17).

Ten facts about the wicked and deceit: The wicked are full of deceit (Rom. 1:29). Devise it (Job 15:35; Ps. 35:20; 38:12). Utter it (Ps. 10:7; 36:3). Work at it (Pro. 11:18). Increase in it (2Tim. 3:13). Use it on each other (Jer. 9:5). Use it on themselves (Jer. 37:9). Delight in it (Pro. 20:17). Impose on others by it (Rom. 16:18). Sport themselves with it (2Pet. 2:13).

Ten evils of deceit: Deceit hinders knowledge of God (Jer. 9:6). Deceit keeps men from God (Jer. 8:5). Deceit leads to pride and sin (Jer. 5:27-28). Deceit leads to lying (Pro. 14:25). Deceit causes fraud and injustice (Ps. 10:7; 43:1). Deceit conceals hate (Pro. 26:24-26). Deceit conceives evil plans (Ps. 50:19). Deceit encourages sin (Pro. 20:17). Deceit defiles the soul (Mark 7:22). Deceit causes hardening in sin (Heb. 3:13).

The marks of false teachers are numerous in Scripture so no mistake need be made in detecting them (Matt. 7:15-20; 23:1-33; Acts 8:9; 13:8; Rom. 1:18-32; 16:17; 2Cor. 1:18-31; 6:9-11; 11:13-15; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 2:8, 18; Php. 3:17-19; 1Tim. 4:1-8; 2Tim. 3:1-13; 4:3-4; 2Pet. 2:1-22; 3Jn. 1:9-10; Jude 1:4-19; Rev. 2:14, 20).

‘Hymenaeus’ Nothing is known of him other than he made shipwreck of his faith, erred from the truth, taught the resurrection was past, overthrew the faith of others, and was delivered to satan by Paul (2:17-18; 1Tim. 1:19-20). ‘Philetus’ Nothing is known of him other than he did the same.

‘Overthrow’ [Greek: anatrepo] overturn.

2Timothy 2:16-18 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as do a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 

‘Vain babblings’ [Greek: kenophonia] vain talk; babbling; talking nonsense increases ungodliness (1Cor. 15:33). Anything delivered by word of mouth; legendary tales, as opposed to historical account; a fable; foolish or improbable stories, motivational teachings to try to influence hearers, etc. (1Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2Tim. 4:4; Tit. 1:14; 2Pet. 1:16).

‘Eat’ [Greek: nome] have pasture. False doctrines will eat the soul’s life like a canker (gangrene) until eternal death is reaped. Having the Word’s seed sown into one’s heart and then listening to false teachers or sermons, will allow the enemy to steal away all Biblical truths (Matthew 13).

Christians cannot just accept everything that is said of God because it suits them, they are commanded to discern the truth (John 8:32-36; Eph. 4:14; 1Tim. 4:7; 2Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-14) otherwise, they will be led astray after being deceived.  Deceit is falsehood (Ps. 119:118). It comes from the heart (Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:22; Rom. 3:13). God abhors it (Ps. 5:6) and forbids it (Job 27:4; 31:5; Pro. 24:28; 1Pet. 3:10). All saints are free from it (Ps. 24:4; Isa. 53:9; Zeph. 3:13; 1Pet. 2:22; Rev. 14:5). It is to be shunned (Ps. 43:1; 72:14; 101:7; 120:2; Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:8) and laid aside (2Cor. 4:2; 1Thess. 2:3; 1Pet. 2:1). Scripture refers to the wicked and deceit (Ps. 10:7; 35:20; 36:3; 38:12; Pro. 11:18; 12:5; 20:17; Jer. 9:5; 37:9; 2Tim. 3:13); false teachers and deceit (Job 15:35; Pro. 12:17; Jer. 14:14; 23:26; Rom. 16:18; 2Cor. 11:13; Eph. 4:14; 2Thess. 2:1-17; 2Pet. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:7); and evils of deceit (Ps. 10:7; 24:4-5; 32:2; 55:23; Pro. 14:8, 14:25; 26:24; 27:6; Jer. 8:5; 9:6). God demands absolute truth in the inward parts and absolute justice and honesty in all dealings between fellowmen and His Word. No misuse of His Word will be tolerated! (Rev. 22:18-19) It is in the hidden parts that God wants righteousness and not outwardly only (Ps. 51:6). To this end His program in the gospel is that the inward man be renewed and perfected more and more, day by day (2Cor. 4:16). This is the acid test of character (Ps. 15:1-5). The Word of God must be implemented by each individual for their own growth and not to rule over others or to manipulate them to act in a certain way. God’s Word and the Holy Spirit change those who are willing to change, anything apart from that will be one’s own attempt and without lasting results (Php. 1:6).

To be continued…